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4 Positive Things I took from 2017: A Result from a Whirlwind of a Year

Hey Dolls! Hope you’re doing well and you’re totally excited for the New Year! Whoop Whoop! The countdown is on and I can’t believe 365 days have passed already…I mean like WOW, time literally does not wait for no one. It is time to go full speed ahead into a beautiful year full of promise and 365 more wonderful opportunities. In hopes to ring in the 2018 on a positive note, this piece will be short and focused on 4 positive things I did this year. As I sit here typing you this note ready to share a part of me, I reflect on the good, the bad, the ugly and the most beautiful things I’ve endured this year that made me stronger for 2018.

It was an eventful year at best, not that you ignore the bad things that happen to you but let’s face it, who wants their day dampened by posts full of negativity. This is not what this time of year is for. Before I begin I’d like to raise a virtual glass and commend you on surviving and fighting your way to the very end. Everyday is a new accomplishment so give yourself a pat on the back and know that you are a warrior!

Here’s to the 4 Positive things I did this year:

1. I Started My Blog

This year one (1) of the best things I think I did was to take a leap of faith and startLena Dee Xo. For me this site was the first step I took towards finding my way and believing in myself. It’s not just a site or blog to me but the birth of my creativity on the rise. I started off scared as I didn’t know what I was doing (lol most times I’m still rolling with the punches) but in my short time span I can say I’ve made progress.

I decided after some research to start self hosted so I’d have more flexibility as I wanted to include portfoliosand such. I think I will do a post later offering some tips so comment below or inbox me and tell me anything you need help with especially if you’re new in the game. This is an investment that does not have to be expensive and it is a wonderful investment to make in yourself. I felt alone at first but I’ve met some wonderful and supportive babes on my Twitter that I am truly thankful for. Social media is a powerful platform that can be positive and supportive, I can’t wait to expand my connectivity.

2. I Rose Above Depression & Anxiety

This year was most certainly not all sunshine, I’ve visited some dark places and I’m not saying that I don’t still have things to work on but I did NOT let my fears win. I kept fighting, even at my lowest points and I am still fighting. I think not giving up on yourself is a huge accomplishment. One of the most important things I fought for was loving myself more, knowing my worth and that I can try harder to control my happiness even when external factors are against me.

Sadly, this year has been making its mark for a lot of records that aren’t good. More and more studies have been surfacing that there’s been arise in depression and anxietyaround the world and it has been most prominent in young women. This year had many pressure points, pressure to succeed at a young age, pressure to be competitive, pressures to be “more beautiful”, etc. It’s so easy to get caught in the popular norms and beliefs that we lose our way, you do NOT have to conform to anything. Be bold, be brave and be a force to be reckoned with…You are not alone 💕

3. I Started Back Learning A New Language

With the amount of things going on in life sometimes you forget to do things that you always had your heart set on. I was always fascinated with learning new cultures and by extension languages. I was pretty decent at high school with Spanish and French so this year I recognized that there’s potential in everything and I wanted to pick up where I left off. Yes, learning languages can be easier when you’re at a very young age (brain-wise) but you are never too old for anything! So thanks to amazing apps like Duolingo, I’ve been progressing in my French!

4. I pampered myself more!

Yes! That’s right! I told myself that I’ve worked hard to get where I am, I found a decent job after a hard search and it was time to start treating myself. I may not be rich and I am not encouraging you to splurge your savings but do not feel guilty if you saw something beautiful (that’s a above your ideal price) and wanted to get it. Guess what? life is beautiful and you deserve beautiful things! NEVER let anyone discourage you from getting something that makes you happy, it is your choice and your money. Whether it’s tangible or intangible, know what you are worth that extra dime!

This is my last Blogmas post! I had a really great experience partaking in this for the first time and I look forward to doing it again. If you missed any you can check out all of themhere. Thank you all for reading my posts and helping me along my journey, I can’t wait to share all of my 2018 content with you! Wishing you and yours a dazzling start to your New Year and may it be filled with many blessings!

28 Comments

Aw I’m so glad you started your blog Lena! 💕 You are always so positive and I love your supportive & motivational tweets. I’m so glad you are no longer in a dark place and you are fighting your depression and anxiety. You are an inspiration to me. Keep looking after yourself and you definitely deserve all the pampering! 😍 xx

I’ve heard of Duolingo – I’m thinking about learning a new language as well this year, just have to choose which one! AND YES TO PAMPERING I feel like everyday should have a little treat yo self moment 🙂

I love this so much!! Points 1 and 2 made me so happy. It took me forever to start my blog after I had the idea but I’m so proud of it now. And, YES to the pampering. It feels great to treat yourself. x

I would LOVE to learn a new language! I did both French and Spanish at school, but stupidly never took them any further – something I deeply regret now! And well done you for over coming your anxiety; keep smashing it!
Gemma x | HiddenLittleGem.com

These are such fantastic gifts that 2017 gave you! You are so brave for speaking out about anxiety and depression and it’s so important to know you are not alone! 2017 sounds like a great year for you but I think 2018 will be even better! Sending you love! xoxo

This is a beautiful post. Your lessons were relatable and one thing I held on to the most, is learning to pamper myself. I’m going to pamper myself baby through😂 but still work hard all the same. Thanks for this Lena.

Lovely post – it seems like you achieved a lot in 2017! I’m so glad to hear your managing your depression and anxiety more. I suffer with GAD and it’s a continuous struggle and definitely lately I feel like I’m getting slightly worse again rather than better so that’s a bit disheartening but I love reading Stories like this which give me hope! xxx

Wow… this is an inspiring list! I can relate to 3.5 of these things (I started my blog in 2016 BUT I did commit to revamping and dedicating myself to it in 2017 haha). Anywho, I hope you keep up these positive strides moving further! By the way, I’m so very proud of you for sharing your struggle with depression and anxiety. These are not at all easy battles, but I am thrilled to hear that you are not letting them get the best of you. Continue to thrive and nuture your mental health.

Cheers to your success, happiness, new skills, and self-love for 2018 and beyond!

It’s beautiful to hear that you pushed through your mental health struggles in 2017! I have a post lined up talking about my struggle with my mental wellbeing last year and you’ve given me the confidence to share it, so thank you.